Last season, we watched cornerback Sauce Gardner go from first-round pick to first-team All-Pro, giving the Jets one of their two star rookies, alongside Offensive Rookie of the Year receiver Garrett Wilson. In Seattle, the Seahawks landed one hit after the next, selecting tackles Abraham Lucas and Charles Cross, Pro Bowl corner Riq Woolen, running back Kenneth Walker III and edge rusher Boye Mafe.
So throughout the 2023 NFL season, we'll be tracking the progress of rookies in our stock watch, seeing who rises and falls week to week.
We start here, with 10 rookies everyone should have their eyes on from the jump.
Rising
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
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Robinson barely saw the field in preseason, playing just once. However, he gave us one of the summer’s best highlights, showing why the Falcons are so high on the first-round Texas product. In what should be an improved offense featuring tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London, Robinson is the perfect do-it-all back in today’s NFL.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
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Although Johnston is listed behind Joshua Palmer on the depth chart, he’ll see plenty of snaps when the Chargers go three-wide. Between his big frame (6'3" and 208 pounds) and speed (4.49 40-yard dash), he’s a threat for quarterback Justin Herbert to find often. During the preseason, Johnston caught eight passes for 62 yards and a score.
Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
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I’ve written plenty about Addison both in our camp feature and elsewhere, and for good reason. Despite his diminutive stature at 5'11" and 175 pounds, Addison can win on a variety of routes while displaying speed and quick-twitch athleticism. Lining up across from Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson, Addison will have ample opportunities in one-on-one situations.
Brian Branch, S, Detroit Lions
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Branch was a projected first-round pick who fell to the second, going No. 45 to Detroit. He’s done nothing but show why he should have been selected earlier, working his way into the Lions’ deep secondary rotation. Expect Branch to play plenty against the Chiefs in the season opener Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
Falling
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
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This isn’t really about Young, but more about his offensive line. Young was belted time and again in Carolina’s three preseason defeats, going a combined 14-of-24 for 129 yards and a touchdown while being sacked three times. When he had time, Young showed glimpses of why he was taken with the No. 1 pick, but the Panthers’ offensive line is a looming issue.
Jack Campbell, LB, Detroit Lions
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Campbell was Detroit’s second first-round pick in April, and a projected starter alongside Alex Anzalone. However, he hasn’t grabbed a spot yet, instead sitting behind third-year man Derrick Barnes on the depth chart. It’s far from a disaster, but also not ideal.
Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans
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Levis only played in Tennessee’s first preseason game, going 9-of-14 for 85 yards and an interception while being sacked four times. However, the biggest reason he’s a faller is because of second-year quarterback Malik Willis, who dazzled throughout the summer to earn the backup job behind Ryan Tannehill. Suddenly, Levis is looking up at two spots, not one.
Holding steady
C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
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Stroud gave middling performances in the preseason, but earned the top job over veteran Davis Mills. Now, he enters his rookie season with a chance to prove he’s worthy of the No. 2 pick. Houston doesn’t have great weapons around him, but the running game should be strong with Dameon Pierce. It’s a year being measured by growth, both for Stroud and the Texans.
Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
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In two preseason games, the Florida product was 13-of-29 for 145 yards with an interception. Still, he was anointed the starter over veteran backup Gardner Minshew, who has two years experience in coach Shane Steichen’s offense. Richardson has immense talent, but he’s raw and on a bad team.
Myles Murphy, DE, Cincinnati Bengals
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The preseason was a struggle at times for Murphy, who looked destined to be buried on the depth chart behind Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai. However, with Ossai sustaining a high-ankle sprain, Murphy will have a chance to show he can contribute early.
